The entire concept of a "high performance" SUV escapes me. Will the buyers of these cars actually take them off-road and risk scratching that expensive paint? Will they take advantage of its cornering ability by racing home from Home Depot with sheets of plywood in the back? Or do they plan on scaring the daylights out of their children strapped into the rear seats with amazing acceleration on the way to T-League?

At least many owners of the 911 and other Porsche sportscars will, on occasion, make some effort to take advantage of what those cars offer in terms of performance. I can't imagine that most owners of the Cayenne will attempt -- or even desire -- to do the same. So, as many of you have adeptly pointed out, the marketing has shifted toward a different type of buyer with certain pretensions that are foreign to most of the enthusiasts on this board.